The PC component supply chain has been little affected by the earthquake-tsunami that hit Japan on March 11, as component makers have moved most of their production to China along with PC makers.

Only a small portion of PC-use print circuited board (PCB) and passive component production remains in northeastern Japan, the area hit hardest by the disaster.

But northeastern Japan is the hub of the country's automotive production, with over 171 related players located there. Therefore, supply of automotive electronic components will feel more impact of the disaster.

Japan-based automotive companies' plants and status after earthquake

Player

Major products

Plant location in Japan

Earthquake impact

Toyota

Car assembly, car battery

Miyagi and Iwate

Both plants were shut down. The plants mainly houses assembly lines for Central and Corolla cars for the US market. The Iwate plant also produces battery for HV car.